Behind the Song:“Made to Shine” from the album “By Faith”

By Becca / The Sonflowerz

Sept 2011

One of my favorite tracks on our new album is titled “Made to Shine”. It came about through hearing the story of a 12-year-old girl who showed up to one of our concerts.

Though we didn’t get to meet her, we were told of her struggle with bullying at school. It was so devastating that she starting hating herself, and harming herself. This grieved me. I couldn’t believe how low the bullying had brought her and the horrible things she was doing to herself.

In our song “Made to Shine” are the words I would say to her if I could sit down with her and be face to face.

I won’t repeat what they said

They tore you down and broke your heart

The words resound in your head and make you feel like nothing

I know you’re chosen for great things

A child of God, a work of art

Fancy clothes and diamond rings will never match what you are worth

Hold on to the beauty inside of you

No one can take that away

At some point in our lives I know we all struggle with believing lies told about us. Whether they’re subtle or not, they creep into our hearts like termites inside the walls of a home. Lies eat away at the truth that we are children of God, works of art by the Creator God Himself, and no one – not even ourselves – could stain our image.

“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”…Isaiah 43:7

When I stopped at this verse one day, it hit me: I am created for God’s glory. So what is my response to rejection, criticism, or downright nasty words spoken to me? I should filter it through the fact that my worth never changes, and God’s love for me is greater than all of those things.

One of the biggest tragedies in bullying is that Christ-followers, who are called to be light in their schools, are becoming victims of darkness instead. When you’re the focus of bullies, it’s easy – and sometimes feels necessary – to hide. But God calls us to shine for Him - to show the world His glory, even in the darkest places. Instead of sitting back and letting the environment around you creep in to destroy your confidence, change that environment by the power of God’s light and the truth He has given you.

//Chorus//

You were made to shine a brilliant light

To radiate His glory

You were made to shine

Its your life

Its a new beginning

More than the stars in the night sky, you were made to shine

Maybe this song is for you too, or someone you know. When you are surrounded by lies and accusations that go completely against the truth of who God says you are, the best thing you can do is remind yourself of that truth: God’s love is the fire inside of you. No one can take that away.

Connect with The Sonflowerz at www.Sonflowerz.com.